WAMC- 2nd time applicant, low science GPA, high vet hours

[panda_bear6]

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I'm a 24F from South Carolina, and this last cycle (2024-2025) I applied to Mississippi vet school, received an interview, and was waitlisted. Due to the opening of the Clemson Veterinary School, Mississippi, Georgia, & Tuskegee have withdrew SC contract seats. I'm interested in applying to Clemson due to it being my in-state school and I would have significantly less debt. I'm open to applying to other veterinary schools but lower financial debt and location are very important to me. My current career interests is companion animals with an interest in integrative veterinary medicine.

Cumulative GPA: 3.44-3.50 (depending on retakes consideration)
science GPA: 3.36
last 45: 3.72

Any degrees achieved
Bachelor's degree in Animal & Veterinary Sciences
Minor in Biological Sciences

GRE results: N/A

Veterinary Experience: 5,312 hours
- Veterinary assistant at emergency/general practice- 4,500 hours
- Poultry handler, obtain blood to test for diseases- 32 hours
- Kennel/ Veterinary assistant at animal shelter- 700 hours
- Job shadow at small animal/exotic clinic- 50 hours
- Job shadow an equine vet- 30 hours
Animal Experience: 2,733 hours
- Receptionist at emergency/general practice- 1500 hours
- Poultry caretaker/farm maintenance at the university- 170 hours
- Boarding/ Kennel Technician at small/exotic boarding facility- 330 hours
- Dairy cattle handler at university- 108 hours
- Volunteer at wildlife rehabilitation/ sanctuary- 50 hours
- Animal caretaker at Humane Society- 200 hours
- Animal caretaker for FFA animals (exotic, farm, & companion)- 375 hours

Research Experience: 508 hours
- Undergraduate Research Assistant in Animal & Veterinary Sciences department (cattle fermentation of various types of hay)- 40 hours
- Undergraduate Research Assistant in Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences (By using Hoagland nutrient solution, how much nitrogen & phosphorous is absorbed by the corn with various types of soils)- 468 hours
Awards/scholarships:
- President's list 1x
- Dean's list 3x
- 1st place Floriculture CDE team
- Highest scoring individual Floriculture CDE
- Palmetto Fellows / Enhancement Scholarship
- Gateway2 Clemson (first-generation student)
- Top Tiger (recognized as well rounded student in high school)

Extracurriculars:
- Club member of Clemson FIRST (first generation club)
- Club member of Pre-vet club
- Participant of SC Commissioner's School of Agriculture
- SC FFA Nominating Committee (select SC FFA officers)
- Served as club member, secretary, & president of my FFA chapter
- Club member of Beta club & various honor societies

Employment: 2,788 hours
- Crew member & cashier at Five Guys- 288 hours
- Sandwich artist & cashier at Subway- 2500 hours

Due to financial reasons, I haven't retaken any courses to improve my GPA, which may have hindered my application. Additionally, I know that I need to revise my personal statement and other supplemental essays. Do you have any other advice regarding where I will have the best chances of applying and how I can better my application? Thank you!

 

[KaraF16]

Overall, I would say your chances are decent, depending on the strength of your essays. Yes, your GPA is on the lower side. That being said, your trend GPA shows significant improvement, and your cumulative GPA is not horrendous by any means. You have substantial experience in veterinary, animal, employment, and research, which will help show you as a well-rounded applicant.

I see that you mentioned finances are hindering you from retaking courses, which is understandable. So, I would recommend spending a lot of time polishing your essays and setting yourself apart in that regard. I did not realize that Mississippi, Georgia, and Tuskegee had already withdrawn their contract seats, so I'm sorry that's the case for you. However, as you pointed out, having an in-state school is still highly beneficial for you. I wish you the best of luck!